Harley Young enjoys a good night’s sleep, a meal and a massage before taking a dip
As you’d expect from Liverpool’s only 5*, The Municipal Hotel by MGallery is a real sight to behold. It’s the most beautiful building on Dale Street and one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, right up there with The Three Graces on the Waterfront.
Formally known as Municipal Buildings, the grand structure was built as a monument to civic pride in the days of Queen Victoria when Liverpool was emerging as the leading seaport of the British Empire. For over 150 years, and long before Liverpool was even classed as a city (city status was made in 1880) it's an imposing building that’s stood proudly as a multitude of operations, including the seat of Liverpool Corporation and the council, before being put on the market in 2016.
The 17,000m2 building was swiftly snapped up by luxury boutique hotel brand MGallery before being restored and tastefully transformed into a decadent and charming 179-bedroom hotel, complete with its own in-house restaurant, bar and spa. Of the 179 rooms, 168 are lavish as standard and the other 11 are stylishly decorated suites; ideal for special occasions or those looking to splash their cash.
Before you even step a foot inside The Municipal Hotel you’re met by not two, not four, but eight towering pillars - four either side of the double doors of the Grade II-listed building, which originally opened in 1868.
It certainly looks the part, oozing luxury from every crevice, giving off an expensive air of luxe that would make Wall Street bigwigs feel right at home.
Entering the hotel, my partner Dave and I were greeted with a very warm welcome from Sally, a member of the reception team. Sally asked us about our plans for the weekend whilst checking us in, showing genuine interest and consideration. She detailed what was included in our stay before guiding us over to the lift via the stunning bright-white atrium where the bar and restaurant resides; the glass-roofed hall is adorned with tiled marble floors, flecks of gold furnishings here and there, and 12-foot palm trees…because why not?
“You’re on the second floor. If you need anything, reception is available 24 hours a day. I hope you have a lovely stay with us,” beamed Sally, her delightfully positive energy radiating long after she turned the corner to head back to the reception desk. Our visit had definitely started off on the right foot.
The lift arrived at floor two, chiming to let us know it was time to get out. We did just that, walking down the gargantuan corridors and commenting on how incredibly wide they were, seeming to veer off in every direction.
“This place is massive,” whispered Dave, his mouth wide open as we turned yet another corner.
“It’s like a labyrinth,” I nodded.
After marching the thick, plush carpets for what felt like an eternity, we reached our room for the evening; 276.
Inside room 276 (and the other 167 standard rooms I imagine) are all the bells and whistles you could need and/or want from a luxury overnight stay; a large bed with a beautifully stitched headboard, large wardrobe, desk and multiple chairs, coffee machine, kettle, large flat screen TV and so on. But not only is it practical and functional, it’s designed and curated to add an extra dimension of elegance and cohesion.
The bathroom is on the same level of sophistication too, with its herringbone tiles, walk-in shower complete with a ginormous rainfall shower head, and premium eco-friendly toiletries.
After a competitive evening of gaming at Gravity Max, we returned back to our not-so-humble abode for the evening as we were dining at the Seaforth restaurant; The Municipal’s on-site brasserie where the menu is said to be ‘rooted in national pride with some global exotic twists’.
A beautifully decorated spot where elegance and top notch service is at the forefront of everything, Seaforth is a restaurant that serves well for special occasions, which there were plenty of people celebrating during our visit.
The menu features a good range of dishes, including burratina with torched peaches, rocket and truffle honey to start and supreme of Scottish salmon for mains. Those with a sweet tooth can choose from the indulgent salted caramel creme brulee or the light and delightful poached strawberries.
Dave went for the chicken liver parfait, salt aged duck breast and a cheese board with Blacksticks Blue, Cotswold Brie and Snowdonia Bomber. All of which he thoroughly enjoyed with a few glasses of orange wine.
I chose the pan seared scallops, rose petal harissa roasted cauliflower and chocolate cremeux. The harissa cauliflower was well-seasoned but the bed of risotto it was on missed the mark slightly. Luckily, the rich and creamy chocolate cremeux made up for it.
Stuffed to the point of almost falling asleep, we retired to bed. I gave the bed the old ‘flop test’ and was met with a plump, marshmallow soft mattress and duvet that cradled me in its grasp. It passed with flying colours and, no sooner than the lights were turned off we were in the land of nod.
We slept straight through the night, only with the thought of a freshly cooked breakfast and a morning spent in the spa able to stir us from our slumber.
I showered, making use of the fancy-looking toiletries, before heading back downstairs to Seaforth - the vibe was much different this time; instead of the hustle and bustle of joyous evening diners and waiting staff hot-footing their way around the restaurant, we were met by the low hum of quiet morning chatter and the team gently waltzed their way between tables taking orders and bringing pots of tea.
Over on the continental breakfast counter there was plenty to choose from including freshly baked bread, deli meats and cheeses, plus a selection of various juices - some of which were designed to enhance your spa experience like the ginger zing shot I opted for.
I ordered a Liverpool breakfast and Dave chose the avocado on toast; both of which were made with quality ingredients and nicely cooked - no burnt bangers or soggy toast in sight.
I headed downstairs to the basement level ready for some Sunday morning TLC in the form of a spa treatment; the 'Grown Alchemist Urban De-stress Massage' - a 50-minute massage designed to target areas of the body that hold stress (such as the neck, shoulders and feet) and encourage a release through deep relaxation.
To do this, the massage therapists use bespoke combination of lymphatic stimulation, myofascial release and a pressure point massage of the back and feet. After checking in at the spa reception I was guided into the relaxation room; a dimly-lit space with comfy loungers, calming music and scents, and flavoured fruit water to sip on.
After a few moments to myself, my massage therapist collected me and took me through to the treatment room before going through a consultation to tailor the experience to suit my needs.
Then, I was treated to just under an hour of ultimate relaxation. I felt so calm and content that I very nearly fell asleep. I left the room feeling rejuvenated, rid of the tension that I carry in my back and shoulders from hunching over my laptop day in, day out. Absolute bliss.
Feeling on cloud nine, I made my way back out into the reception area for a tour around the rest of the spa facilities before making the most of the tranquil space.
Equipped with everything you could want from a city spa, including a swimming pool, Himalayan salt sauna, steam room, monsoon experience shower, plunge bucket, laconicum, cabanas and loungers, you could easily while away the hours here and take some well-deserved time to yourself (which is exactly what I did).
I started my spa experience with a few minutes in the jasmine and honeysuckle laconicum, a Roman-style thermal room where the temperature gently increases - the warmth from the benches gradually increases the temperature of the body, aiding to ease any joint or muscle aches and pains and promote a state of relaxation.
Cranking things up a notch, I entered the eucalyptus and menthol steam room, designed to promote deeper breathing to calm the nervous system and opening your pores to detox your skin and body. After, I cooled my body back down with a handful of crushed ice and braved the cold plunge bucket (well, half of it) before ditching the freezing cold for the more lukewarm and comfortable monsoon experience shower.
After a few lengths of the Thermae Swimming Pool, I retired to the poolside loungers and lazed, glancing out the window at the cityscape, until it was time to check out (much to my dismay).
This landmark building has been carefully and lovingly transformed into one of the city's most impressive and breathtaking hotels, making it a popular choice for those looking for a lavish and luxurious night's stay.
The Municipal Hotel & Spa, Municipal Building, Dale St, Liverpool L2 2DH
Follow Harley Young on X @Harley__Young
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